“I see.” Bonnie said quietly. She wasn’t sure how she felt about him hanging around her and watching her, but at least this way she didn’t have to always be worried about her father finding her and forcing her to go home anymore. This way, she could get what she wanted.
“My apartment is close to here. You can drop me off and be on your way”
“I don’t think so” David replied. “I won’t be doing a good job of watching you if i left you alone, would i?”
“What did you say?” She asked. He didn’t reply, but let her figure out what he meant by herself. When she did, her mouth opened, but all that came out was, “Oh God.”
Lifting one dark eyebrow, David felt triumphant. She was already realizing the implications of insisting not to go back to her parents…He hid his chuckle and said, “Come again?”
Bonnie shook her head, then at the same time said, “Nothing…” She heaved a sigh, straightened her back, and then nodded. “Okay. I think we could try and see how it goes.”
David stared at her, trying not to show his disbelief. “What do you mean, okay?” He’d thought for certain, since everything else had failed, that this would send her running. But no. She seemed to be determined to have things go her way.
“I mean, I’m not really okay with this, but if it’s the only way to get my parents to leave me alone, then so be it.”
Contrary female, David thought. “Bonnie…” He began, then faltered. He liked saying her name, liked how it sounded, all fresh and pure. She looked at him, with those huge, doe eyes steady on his face. She was too trusting. She was a danger to herself…and to him. He was sure of it.
“You were going to say something, Mr. Stewart?”
Nothing she would like hearing. He shook his head. “Just be quiet and let me think.”
Obediently, she turned away and stared out her window. He wasn’t buying her compliance for a minute. He had a gut feeling there wasn’t an obedient bone in her slim body. He also suspected she was as stubborn as all hell, once she’d set her mind on something. The car was heating up. It was late spring and even though the nights were still a little chilly, the days were warming up into the seventies. Without any fanfare, and apparently trying not to draw undue attention to herself, Bonnie began unbuttoning the oversize coat and David watched from the corner of his eye.
Just to razz her, because she took the bait so easily, he asked, “Would you like me to give you a drumroll?”
She turned to face him. “I beg your pardon?” She looked honestly confused.
He tried to hide his grin. “Every good striptease needs music.”
“I’m not stripping!” She said
He shrugged, amused by the blush on her cheeks that was visible even in the dark interior of the truck. She was apparently unused to masculine teasing, maybe even to men in general.
He snorted at his own foolishness. It was men like himself, coarse and inelegant, that she wasn’t used to. He imagined she had plenty of sophisticated guys clamoring for her attention…like that prince she was supposed to marry. And that fact nettled him, even though it shouldn’t. Grumbling, he said, “Maybe you should try it. You seemed to be super into it while watching that guy dance at the club.”
She held her coat together with clenched fingers, her look incredulous. If she knew him better, she’d know that he absolutely hated watching her watch that guy. But she didn’t know him, and most likely never would. He should keep that fact in mind before he did something stupid. Like what, you idiot? Like getting too involved with her, and then finally watch her take her cute little backside and big brown eyes back home where it was safe? He was sure that was what was going to happen. She was just going through a phase…and it would be over soon. She’d go back to her perfect little life and he’d end up looking stupid. He most definitely couldn’t let himself do that, he decided. She way way out of his league.
They came to the entrance to Crystal Lakes. “Which way?” he asked.
He’d startled her. She’d practically jumped out of her seat, and he was left wondering exactly where her mind had been. “Which way to your place? I was taking you home, remember? You didn’t think I was going to take you to my hotel tonight, did you? But if that’s what you want, all you need to do is ask. I’m sure I’d be glad to oblige.”
The car was left to idle while they stared at each other. Finally in a small voice filled with suspicion, Bonnie said, “You’re not just messing with me, are you? You and my dad are not making plans to force me to go home, right?” Those eyes of hers could be lethal. He wanted nothing more than to tug her close and promise her he wouldn’t do that to her, that he’d…She looked so damn vulnerable. It didn’t make a bit of sense. Usually people with big money went around feeling confident that money would get them anything. They didn’t bother with doubts.
Irritated now, he rubbed the bridge of his nose, then said in a low tone, “Your dad and I are not planning anything, and since I haven’t gotten my money yet, you can be sure that I won’t be doing anything to surprise you or him.”
After heaving a small sigh, she said, “Of course.” Now, why did she have to sound so disappointed? And why did he feel like such a jerk?
“Left, up the hill, then the first street on the right.” She said.
David knew he had no business forming fantasies over a woman who blushed every time she spoke. Especially since he’d have to keep her close, more to watch and protect her than anything else. An idea had been forming in his mind ever since he’d realized he couldn’t discourage her from staying here. He’d thought, if he became aggressive enough, she’d run back home to safety.
Instead, she’d only become more adamant. He had to be careful with her, or she could get in the way. He’d worked too hard for that to happen. He wouldn’t allow anything-or anyone-to interfere because he needed that money.